Germany’s E-Prescription System Faces Growing Pains Amid Expansion
A recent software update triggered widespread disruption to Germany’s digital prescription system, leaving approximately 3,000 pharmacies unable to read electronic health cards. This access blockage to the central E-Rezept system undermines confidence in the digital health transition, particularly as the system expands to include private insurance holders.
Software Glitch Exposes System Vulnerabilities
The crisis began on February 24, 2026, when software providers ADG and Red Telematic released a latest version for their pharmacy systems. Instead of improvements, the update crippled a critical interface, preventing communication with electronic health card (eGK) readers.
The current IT failure highlights the vulnerability of interconnected systems to technical malfunctions and security risks. This incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Affected pharmacies have been forced to turn patients away. While technical support teams are working on a patch, full restoration of functionality will take time. A comprehensive nationwide emergency plan for such digital outages does not currently exist.
The E-Rezept has been mandatory since 2024, largely replacing paper prescriptions. Patients can access their medications via eGK, the official Gematik app, or a printed matrix code. Over one billion digital prescriptions had been processed by October 2025, demonstrating high acceptance but also dependence on a functioning infrastructure.
Recurring Issues and Political Response
This outage isn’t isolated. A problem with the sectoral identity service provider T-Systems between February 10-12, 2026, caused significant disruptions, temporarily cutting off millions of Barmer and AOK insured individuals from their digital health ID and electronic patient record (ePA).
These recurring issues have prompted political action. Federal Health Minister Nina Warken announced stricter regulations within the planned Digital Health Act in February, aiming to prevent similar infrastructure failures.
Expansion Continues Despite Challenges
Ironically, the system expansion continues despite the technical difficulties. Since late February 2026, major private health insurers have fully integrated their customers into the E-Rezept system. HanseMerkur, for example, has made the app available to its fully insured members.
Private patients can now use NFC-enabled smartphones, personal identification with PIN, and their insurance app to receive and redeem digital prescriptions. This step aims to eliminate the cumbersome parallel system of digital billing for statutory health insurance patients and manual processing for private patients, potentially easing the burden on doctors and pharmacies – provided the technology functions reliably.
European Interconnectivity on the Horizon
Digitalization isn’t limited by national borders. On February 26, Austria connected to the European network MyHealth@EU, allowing prescriptions from Austria to be redeemed in participating EU countries like the Czech Republic.
Germany aims to join this network by 2029, with the EU-Rezept becoming mandatory across all member states. This requires a stable, secure, and uninterrupted telematics infrastructure in Germany to ensure citizens can safely obtain medications throughout Europe. Current issues demonstrate that significant function remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E-Rezept?
The E-Rezept is Germany’s electronic prescription system, making paper prescriptions largely obsolete.
How can I redeem my E-Rezept?
You can redeem it with your eGK, via the Gematik app, or with a printed matrix code.
What caused the recent disruption?
A software update from ADG and Red Telematic caused a communication failure between pharmacy systems and eGK readers.
Will private health insurance patients now use the same system?
Yes, private insurers are integrating their customers into the E-Rezept system.
What is MyHealth@EU?
MyHealth@EU is a European network allowing cross-border prescription redemption.
